Big-hearted Chronicle readers have been showing their imaginations with the variety of presents flooding in for our Christmas Toy Appeal.

But we are appealing to you to keep then coming.

Christmas can be a desperate time for families scraping by with little or no spare cash to give their children the festive season they deserve.

The Salvation Army in Crewe and the Chronicle are collecting toys to brighten up Christmas for those who would not otherwise get a visit from Santa, and in this season of goodwill we are appealing to your generous side to help us.

Appeal co-ordinator Sybil Perry said this year's appeal got off to a slow start but donations have started to come in thick and fast.

She added: 'I worry every year we might not get a good-response. But every year I am more and more impressed with the generosity of people.

'You can see a lot of thought has been put into the gifts people bring in.

'We have some great volunteers who are already working very hard on the appeal, but there is such a lot of organising to do, it is important to start early.

'Last year we filled 1,000 toy parcels and 700 food parcels. We hope we can rely on people again as the list of families needing support seems to grow every year.'

We are appealing for toys, or money which will go towards gift vouchers for older children.

Businesses can also lend their support to help give us a boost.

We are looking for somewhere dry and secure to store the toys. If you think you can help, please phone the Chron -icle on 01270 255733. You can register to receive a Christmas parcel from the appeal if you are in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance. Proof must be taken into the Salvation Army Citadel on Prince Albert Street, Crewe, on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning. The last day to register is Friday, November 21.